Under emotional stress (ES) the brain limbic-reticular structures are
shown to change first. The integrative interaction of brain structures
determines the secondary changes of cardiovascular functions. The eff
ects of ES on autonomic functions are mediated primarily by chemical c
hanges of brain limbic-reticular neurons to neurotransmitters and olig
opeptides. Genetic and individual cardiovascular disorders under ES ha
ve been demonstrated. Mechanisms of sustained arterial blood hypertens
ion under experimental ES are considered. It has been established that
the resistance to ES is strongly dependent on the basic levels of oli
gopeptides and norepinephrine in the hypothalamus. Additional injectio
ns of oligopeptides enhance the resistance to ES.